Contrary to the official statement provided by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, who said he was taking an indefinite leave due to family consultations related to a medical issue, reports suggest a deeper issue led to his resignation.
According to insider accounts, Ngelale’s departure stemmed from a fallout with his boss, President Bola Tinubu.
Ngelale, who was also appointed as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, stepped down from his role on Saturday.
A report from PREMIUM TIMES reveals that despite Ngelale’s public claim of stepping aside to handle family matters, he resigned after suspecting that he might be pushed out of office.
The report indicates that the presidency had been searching for a more experienced media professional to replace him. Sources within the administration claim that Ngelale, a former spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council, lacked the “experience, contacts, and networks” necessary for the role.
While Ngelale simultaneously held two key positions—Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action—sources said the presidency recently asked him to focus solely on his climate action duties. However, when Ngelale expressed his preference to retain his media adviser position, the presidency declined.
Further exacerbating the situation, Ngelale reportedly faced increasing isolation. He was allegedly blocked from meeting with President Tinubu and was excluded from the president’s delegation to China, which insiders say rattled him.
A presidency insider said, “He was basically isolated even by those who brought him to take the position.” It is believed that Ngelale’s appointment was heavily influenced by the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu.
Despite Ngelale’s efforts, sources close to the administration noted that his lack of experience became apparent early on. Officials criticized his limited interaction with local and international media, stating he “commanded little respect from media owners, editors, and leading journalists in Nigeria.”
Adding to the scrutiny, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) last year questioned Ngelale’s qualifications for the position, arguing that he lacked the necessary training and experience in public relations.
In a statement issued Saturday night, President Tinubu acknowledged Ngelale’s decision to step down, expressing sympathy and offering prayers for him and his family.
Ngelale described the decision as “agonising,” noting that it followed consultations with family over several days.